Sheila R. Thomas’ Post

Black History Month is a time to honor the past and drive change for the future. As Black History Month comes to a close, we reflect on how to move forward. It is crucial to confront the systemic and historic injustices driving the cradle-to-prison pipeline. At Back to the Start, we empower incarcerated individuals to explore childhood narratives that highlight our nation’s systemic and racial inequities starting at birth. Doing so offers a path toward healing of past traumas, exploring common themes, and galvanizing support for systemic change. Join us in breaking the cycle and follow us to learn more. Link to Prison Policy Initiative for more information https://lnkd.in/gq2-GnbF #BlackHistoryMonth #MassIncarceration #RacialJustice #CriminalJusticeReform #SocialJustice #Equity #ProgressiveLeadership #Advocacy

The H3AL Network is a Black Advocacy group that takes an intersectional approach to collective healing. H3AL (Highlighting Equality & Equity through Education, Advocacy & Love) is a grassroots organization based in northwest New Jersey. Our mission is to empower the Black community and provide resources to foster positive community outcomes and growth. We are committed to not being frozen into inaction by the daunting task of addressing systematic oppression, but to facilitate active healing. Firstly, by acknowledging racism and the damage it does to people and communities. Second, by educating ourselves through the works and words of those whose shoulders we stand on. Fourth, we will create a map where there isn’t one, to guide us toward community healing. For more info and to join the network check us out on Instagram and Facebook H3AL #CommunitySupport #CommunityStrong #NeighborsMatter #MakingADifference #CommunityAction #onenorwescap #norwescap #H3ALnetwork

🎉 1000+ Followers! Thank You! 🎉 When I shared my first post about my journey in legal advocacy, I never imagined the profound impact it would have. I remember visiting a small community in Mathare, where I met a young woman named Mercy who was struggling to understand her rights. Our conversation ignited a spark in her, and today, she’s a passionate advocate for change in her community. Since then, your support has helped achieve: 1.Increased Community Engagement: More people are now aware of their legal rights and are actively participating in community forums. 2.Successful Legal Awareness Campaigns: We've conducted numerous sessions, reaching hundreds with crucial information. 3.Empowered Youth and Marginalized Groups: Many have found their voices and are now advocating for their rights. Your support fuels my passion for justice. Together, we’re making a real difference. Let’s continue this journey and create even more positive change! 💪 #Milestone #LegalAdvocacy #CommunityImpact #Inspiration

Adultification can affect all children; however, it's essential to recognize that Black girls and boys are more likely to be adultified than their white peers. The consequences of adultification can change a young person's life. To learn more, check out this introductory blog with useful links to research and resources. https://lnkd.in/gmd4s_Jk #adultification #childprotection #antiracistsocialwork #youngpeople #chicagoyouth #socialwork #youthjustice #youthwork #chicagononprofit

Juneteenth Unveiled: The Impact of Ms. Opal Lee's Advocacy. In this episode of SoulShift, hosted by JyOba X, we explore the significance of Juneteenth through the lens of community wisdom and social justice. Tune in for an inspiring narrative that honors black liberation, community strength, and the continuous fight for justice.https://youtu.be/j8zeDxDQxGk

Today, we recognize Orange Shirt Day, a day dedicated to remembering the thousands of Indigenous children who were taken from their families and forced into residential schools. Established in 2013, this day serves as a reminder of the trauma experienced by these children and their families, as well as the importance of reconciliation. The orange shirt symbolizes the loss of culture, identity, and childhood. It encourages us to reflect on the painful legacy of these institutions and to commit to fostering understanding and respect for Indigenous peoples. As a parent of young children, I cannot imagine the heartbreak of having them taken from our home without the ability to visit or hold them close. Imagine your child being taken, with the only form of communication a letter they can barely read, while being taught a different language that limits their ability to understand your words. On this day, let’s commit to putting ourselves in another's shoes and truly embracing empathy. Acknowledge the pain and the generational trauma that continues to affect families today. We have a responsibility to listen, to learn, and to stand as allies in the journey towards healing and reconciliation. Every child deserves to be loved and valued for who they are. Let’s work together to ensure that the past is never repeated, and that every child can grow up surrounded by their family and culture. #OrangeShirtDay #EveryChildMatters #Reconciliation #IndigenousRights #TruthAndReconciliation

In the spirit of Black History Month, it’s imperative to reflect on the roles of advocacy and allyship within the financial services sector. Understanding these concepts, their importance, and how to effectively engage in both can catalyze meaningful change, fostering an inclusive environment where all professionals, especially those from underrepresented communities, can thrive. Advocacy in the financial services context involves speaking out and taking action to support the rights and opportunities of underrepresented groups. Allyship goes hand in hand with advocacy, requiring individuals to stand with and not just for those in marginalized communities. This article was penned by #FAREMember Aiyisha K. Adams, MBA, CRPC, a vice president of advisor engagement at Osaic. Learn more about engaging in advocacy and allyship. Visit https://lnkd.in/gbceXv_A #Advocacy #Allyship #BlackHistoryMonth #DEI #Inclusivity #DEI

🖤  This difficult topic will come up with your children. Here's how to discuss it. https://lnkd.in/gm4vS446 #BlackHistory #ParentingTips 

🧡 *Every Child Matters* Orange is more than a color—it's a powerful symbol of remembrance, resilience, and recognition of the injustices Indigenous children faced at residential schools. On Orange Shirt Day, we remember the children who never made it home and those who continue to carry the weight of these traumatic experiences. 🧡 The odds of an Indigenous child dying in a residential school were 1 in 25. 🧡 The last residential school closed in 1996. 🧡 These schools aimed to erase cultures, languages, and identities, causing generational pain. The reason we wear orange on this day stems from the experience of Phyllis Webstad, whose new orange shirt, a gift from her grandmother, was taken away from her on her first day at residential school. Her story reminds us that Indigenous children were stripped not just of clothing, but of their dignity, rights, and lives. 🧡 **Remember this**: the children taken away in handcuffs, the children who suffered physical, emotional, and spiritual abuse, and the children who never returned home to their families. It’s not just a part of history; it’s a part of our present. These injustices didn’t happen in the distant past. They affect the fabric of Canadian society today. 🧡 What can we do? We can educate ourselves and others. We can support Indigenous-led initiatives aimed at healing. And we can honor those affected by wearing orange not just on one day, but by advocating for meaningful action and change every day. Let us not forget that Orange Shirt Day is a reminder to take action—not just in solidarity, but in support of a better future for all. How are you contributing to change and reconciliation? #OrangeShirtDay #EveryChildMatters #TruthAndReconciliation #IndigenousRights